A lucky jackal managed to escape a leopard’s claws at the big cat stealthily ambushed it.

Matt Stritch was touring Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa, on June 9 when he spotted a big cat carefully stalking an unsuspecting jackal in the midday heat.

Dramatic footage captured the leopard quietly approaching its prey before pouncing and dragging it up a nearby tree in its powerful jaws.

Incredibly the jackal somehow managed to escape from the leopard’s hiding place and could be seen running away to freedom as the cat looked on stunned.

Matt, originally from Wrexham, said: “I have never seen anything like this before. It’s rare for a carnivore to hunt another carnivore let alone one out in the open with no cover.

“I couldn't believe what I was watching. I’d parked my vehicle in the perfect place so the leopard came directly towards me. The whole time I felt it was stalking me and not the jackal.

“The jackal had no idea until the last second when the leopard pounced. Every so often the jackal would open its eyes and the leopard would freeze until the jackal closed its eyes again.

“The leopard was incredibly slow and patient, not making any sound. I think the jackal played dead and suspect it passed out.

“Its tail was wagging then stopped but started again when in the tree.

“We think once the leopard had ‘successfully’ stashed the jackal in the tree and while it rested after the hunt, the jackal took the opportunity and leapt out of the tree.

“I initially thought it was dead when it was in the tree so eventually switched the camera off. I saw the jackal leap from the tree with the leopard in pursuit.

“I rushed to switch the camera on and refocus in time to get the jackal fleeing and the leopard giving up.”